Dave Higgins's Blog, page 63
May 13, 2019
Exquisite Corpse
As many of you will know, I incline strongly toward visions of Yog-Sothothery where humanity is doomed by incomprehensible forces rather than the visible, opposable monsters of Gordon/Yuzna et al. However, Maarten Verhoeven’s interpretation of a dried out eldritch monstrosity somehow captures the cosmic in plain sight. If you enjoyed this, I heartily recommend an … Continue reading Exquisite Corpse
May 10, 2019
The World That Remains by Matthew S. Cox
Cox fuses the scarcity of resources and breakdown of civility of post-apocalyptic narratives with the personal focus of young adult fiction to create a survival thriller driven by character not trappings. This novel is the sequel to Evergreen. Danger of narrative contamination past this point. After escaping the gang-ridden ruins of her home for Evergreen, … Continue reading The World That Remains by Matthew S. Cox
May 3, 2019
Magebane by Stephanie Flint
Flint provides an accessible perspective on the morals of magical compulsion while maintaining the fast-paced fantasy of previous volumes. This novel is the third in The Wishing Blade series. Spoilers ahead. Following their reunion with Daernan’s father, a champion of the gods, Daernan and Siklana continue their quest to rescue Toranih and defeat the shadow … Continue reading Magebane by Stephanie Flint
April 29, 2019
One Scoop or Two?
Certain governments have recently taken stances on the trustworthiness of Chinese telecommunications businesses: the US a hard line; the UK a partnership. However, perhaps both this pessimism and this optimism are directed toward the wrong target. Perhaps the spying is more subtle and against a different target. Each of the cat litter trays we’ve bought … Continue reading One Scoop or Two?
April 26, 2019
Castle of Blue Stones by Jordan Elizabeth
Elizabeth creates a claustrophobic variation on the young adult trope of plucky teen vs. dystopian regime that feels realistic yet fantastical. Since she can remember, Jaisy has lived in the remote castle in the mountains, a castle the inhabitants can see only in shades of blue. The Guardians, leaders of the bureaucracy that sustains the … Continue reading Castle of Blue Stones by Jordan Elizabeth
April 15, 2019
Red Shirts & Reviews | mishaburnett
“Haven’t you always wanted to be part of the shadowy underworld of outlaw spellcasters? To live the life of a magical gangster, full of danger, intrigue, unlawful conjurations, and bucketfuls of cold hard cash?” — Red Shirts & Reviews | mishaburnett Misha Burnett, one of my favourite authors, is offering a chance for your name … Continue reading Red Shirts & Reviews | mishaburnett
April 12, 2019
The Spirits of Six Minstrel Run by Matthew S. Cox
Blending a nuanced portrayal of the paranormal with the mundane subtleties of marriage and small-town life, Cox creates a supernatural thriller that draws it’s horror as much from the plausible reactions of characters as any ghostly presence. Mia Gartner loves her job, but not the two-hour commute. So, moving to Six Minstrel Run—a spacious house … Continue reading The Spirits of Six Minstrel Run by Matthew S. Cox
April 8, 2019
Sarpatel, Or Why I Definitely Amn’t A Whampir
Amanda Surowitz tweeted about possibly starting a cooking blog, which lead to me mentioning a recipe using around a bulb of garlic per person. She was—obviously—immediately interested in this. I thought some of you might be too. Sarpatel Serves: 2–6 depending on number of other dishes Ingredients 1250 g pork flesh (boneless, include up to … Continue reading Sarpatel, Or Why I Definitely Amn’t A Whampir
April 5, 2019
The Van Helsing Paradox by Evelyn Chartres
Chartres fuses ancient conspiracies within the Church with urban fantasy to create a fast-paced horror adventure that doesn’t lack for depth. Clara Grey’s family live in decidedly ungenteel poverty in a small mining town; a poverty that slides toward destitution when her father dies. Everyone says his cough finally got him, but Clara is certain … Continue reading The Van Helsing Paradox by Evelyn Chartres
April 1, 2019
Time to Be Serious
The submission window for Fears of a Clown is now closed and I’ve emailed an acknowledgement for all the stories I’ve received. So, if you’ve submitted but haven’t had an acknowledgement yet, then let me know so I can confirm whether I received your story. Now the hard work begins for me. Because I’ve received … Continue reading Time to Be Serious
